Transport Canada, RAC Join Forces to Reduce Emissions

Minister of Transport Pablo Rodriguez (left) and RAC President and CEO Marc Brazeau (right).

Canada’s Minister of Transport Pablo Rodriguez and Railway Association of Canada (RAC) President and CEO Marc Brazeau on Dec. 21 jointly announced a renewed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that “reflects a shared vision of working toward net-zero emissions by 2050 and builds upon the meaningful progress made to date by the Canadian rail sector.”

Transport Canada and RAC members will work together to:

• Advance low-carbon fuel use.
• Move goods and people by rail where possible.
• Accelerate the development of advanced net-zero solutions for locomotives.

The renewed MOU “enhances collaboration and information-sharing to address emerging challenges, to exchange best practices, and to encourage investments in innovation and new technologies.” Canada’s railways have lowered emissions and proactively set science-based emissions targets, aligning with global climate objectives, according to Transport Canada and RAC.

Collaborative actions, such as this MOU, show the commitment of the Government of Canada and Canadian railways “to mitigate and adapt to the impacts of climate change, while fostering economic growth,” they added.

“Rail transportation is part of our past and will be part our future,” said Rodriguez. “We’re working together towards our net-zero emissions goals and making sure we keep people and goods moving towards their destination.”

“This Memorandum of Understanding is living proof of an industry-wide commitment to continuously investing, innovating, and improving as our members pull for Canada,” said Brazeau. “Canada’s railways move the Canadian economy and already are the safest and most fuel-efficient mode of ground transportation. Railway Association of Canada members are committed to doing even more—for everyone’s benefit.”